India-Bangla trade booms after demarcation pact

Traders in Siliguri have heaved a sigh of relief, after the central government had inked a pact with Bangladesh on border demarcation, which has resolved conflicts over boundaries and deepened economic ties. The accord, which was signed in September 2011, ended the four -decade long dispute with Bangladesh, as India agreed to allow duty-free access to 46 types of garments from Bangladesh to the Indian markets, with immediate effect. The announcement of 24-hour travel through the Teen Bigha corridor has brought an end to the misery of many locals in the district, who were living under the aegis of several restrictions.